Large events at First Bank Kuhlman Center overflow the 185 available parking spots, leaving attendees to park wherever they can.
Expanded parking is among priorities for $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act dollars budgeted for Wayne County Fairgrounds improvements. Wayne County’s commissioners viewed maps of possible new parking lots during their Sept. 11 meeting. A committee considering fairgrounds issues and priorities provided the suggestions.
The maps showed a possible lot east of First Bank Expo Hall that could have 110 to 120 spots and a possible lot across Salisbury Road. Each lot was about an acre in size.
Commissioners expressed concern about event attendees crossing Salisbury Road. That would likely lead to a permanent crosswalk and stop sign for safety.
Other possible projects are upgrading electric service to camping pedestals from 30 amps to 50 amps and a wall inside Expo Hall to provide a separate storage area for tables and chairs available for rent.
The two largest fairgrounds events each year, the 4-H Fair and the Autumn Oaks coon dog show, fill the fairgrounds’ camping spots. Some electrical issues occurred during both events this year.
Commissioners are asking the fairgrounds committee to provide recommendations for the ARPA money and the $100,000 yearly naming-rights payments. More than $61,000 remains in the naming rights fund.
Kuhlman bids
Commissioners opened bids for First Bank Kuhlman Center roof and ceiling projects.
The county has set aside $165,000 in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for the roof project. Another $78,440 remains from replacement of the horse barn’s roof.
Bidders for the ceiling project are: JG Bowers Inc. of Marion, Whisenhunt Construction Inc. of Richmond, Smarrelli General Contractor Inc. of Richmond and Carroll Electric Inc. of Richmond.
Bidders for the roof project are: McGuff Roofing Inc. of Muncie; Insulated Roofing Contractors of New Albany; Gold Star Roofing of Middlefield, Ohio; RoofLynx Commercial Roofing Services of Charlestown; NR Lee Restoration of Delphos, Ohio; and Markley’s Precision Co. of New London, Ohio.
The bids were taken under advisement.
Snolympics Roadeo
Daniel Baker and Chase Hokey of Wayne County Highway Department placed 11th in the statewide Snolympics Roadeo competition at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds.
Baker and Hokey were the top two finishers in the highway department’s local event. They competed Sept. 4 and 5 in a snowplow obstacle course against teams from county, city and town departments throughout Indiana.
Other actions
Commissioners approved the closure of Delaware Street in Cambridge City for the Golay Center’s annual Monster Mash 5K the morning of Oct. 19.
Commissioners approved a Jan. 6 start date for construction of the Sample Road bridge. Construction had been scheduled to begin March 1.
A version of this article appeared in the September 18 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.